Ólafsvík

Ólafsvík is a fishing town in the west part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, in West Iceland. The town has approx. 1,100 inhabitants. Ólafsvík is the main town of the Snæfellsbaer municipality that includes also the villages of Hellissandur and Rif.
In the 17th century the town was the first in Iceland to receive a commerce license from the Danish king due its location on the fjord Breiðafjörður.

Thanks to its stable fishing industry, Ólafsvík and the rest of Snæfellsbaer municipality were the region of Iceland least effected from the recent economic crisis.

Ólafsvík is a great starting point to explore the Snæfellsjökull national park with it’s beautiful beaches, volcanoes and pristine nature. 10 km (6 miles) west of Ólafsvík outside the town of Hellissandur situated, what was once the tallest stracture in Europe, the Gufuskálar radio mast which reach a height of 412 meters (1352 ft).

Places of interest

The old packing house (Pakkhúsið). Build in 1844 it is a local museum with display of old working methods and a coffee house – Open during the summer.

Bæjarfoss waterfall – At the east part of the town there is a beautiful waterfall reaches 50m high.

Local indoor swimming pool.

Accommodation

Hotel Ólafsvik is a nice 3 stars hotel part of the Ring Hotels chain.The hotel was recently renovated and it’s a great place to stay for travelers who want to explore Snaefellsnes peninsula and Snaefellsjokull glacier.